Methods of making strip structures



Feb. 2, 1965 R. A. ZOLLER METHODS OF MAKING STRIP STRUCTURES 3Sheets-Sheet 1 Original Filed Nov. 15', 1961 Arroegzrs Feb. 2, 1965 R.A. ZOLLER METHODS OF MAKING STRIP STRUCTURES Original Filed Nov. 15,1961 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. P0552! A Z04 4 2 A fluwacgw TTOE/VEYSFeb. 2, 1965 R. A. ZOLLER METHODS OF MAKING STRIP STRUCTURES 3Sheets-Sheet 3 Original Filed Nov. 13, 1961 I I I I I I INVENTOR. 208527A. Z011. 2

l-L I L II I I I United States Patent 3,167,856 METHODS OF MAKING STRIPSTRUCTURES Robert A. Zoller, Bay Village, Ohio, assignor to The StandardProducts Company, Cleveland, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Originalapplication Nov. 13, 1961, Ser. No. 151,915. Divided and thisapplication Feb. 20, 1964, Ser. No.

14 Claims. (Cl. 29-413) This invention relates to strip structures andmore particularly, to methods of making strip structures of generallychannel shape in cross section for embracing engagement with andclamping retention on edge flanges or other parts, such as those ofautomobile bodies, for trimming, sealing or other purposes. Theinvention further relates to methods for the manufacture of such stripstructures.

The invention has for one of its primary objects the provision of astrip structure of the aforesaid character which is characterized by itsoutstanding flexibility both laterally and longitudinally, by theattractive embossing with which its outer surface may be provided, andby the ease with which it may be pressed onto and thereby firmly held orretained on an edge flange or other part, regardless of variations inthe thickness thereof or transverse or longitudinal curvatures therein.

The invention has for a further primary object the provision of simpleand economical methods for the commercial manufacture of stripstructures embodying the present invention, particularly the stripstructure cores which cause the strip structures to possess theiroutstanding flexibility and the ornamentation of the outer surface ofthe core coverings which give the strip structures their very attractiveappearance.

A more specific object of the present invention is the provision of achannel-shaped strip structure of the aforesaid character which embodiesa covered core consisting of a series of individual, entirelyunconnected sheet metal elements of resilient character and ofrelatively narrow form which are arranged in closely neighboringrelation along the strip structure, and which core elements, because oftheir unconnected nature, enable the strip structure to be freely bent,laterally and longitudinally and otherwise, in various arcs and invarious ways to achieve maximum conformity to and adaptability for usewith various edge flanges or other parts on which the strip structure isto be mounted in use thereof and without any buckling or otherobjectionable deformation of the core covering.

A further more specific object of the present invention is the provisionof a strip structure of the aforesaid character in which the coveringmaterial for the individual core elements is provided within the stripstructure with opposed longitudinally extending ribs or lips, ofresilient flexible character, which yieldably but firmly engage, for thesecure retention of the strip structure on the edge flange or the likeon which the strip structure is to be mounted in use thereof, the ribsor lips preferably being convergently related and extending toward thecrown portion of the strip structure for ease in the application of thestrip structure to said edge flange or the like.

A further more specific object of the present invention is the provisionof a channel-shaped strip structure of the aforesaid character which maybe provided with one or more sealing sections or parts, so that inaddition to serving as a molding or a trim or finishing strip, suchstrip structure also may serve to seal any cracks or crevices adjacentthe edge flange or the like on which the strip structure is mounted inuse thereof.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of a stripstructure of the aforesaid character in which the outer surface of thecore covering is suitably ornamented, such as by embossing, with anydesired design, such as one which simulates woven fabric, leather or thelike, and in which the embossing or other ornamentation covers theentire outer surface of the strip structure, right up to the free endsof the side walls thereof, and most economically.

Further objects of the present invention and certain of its practicaladvantages, will be referred to in or will be evident from the followingdescription of several embodiments of the invention, as illustrated inthe accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a strip structure constituting oneembodiment of the present invention, the core covering being shown indot-dash lines in the rear portion of the strip structure in order toindicate the individual and unconnected transverse core elements;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view on the line 22 of FIG.1, with a portion of the core covering being omitted in the rear portionof the strip structure to show the transversely disposed core elements;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the strip structure of FIGS. 1 and 2 in flatform prior to its being bent into channel shape, a portion of the corecovering being broken away;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a slightly modified form of stripstructure embodying the present invention, the strip structure beingshown as clampingly mounted on an edge flange or other part;

FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 are perspective views of strip structures embodyingother forms of the present invention, the strip structures of theseviews being provided with longitudinally extending sealing sections;

FIGS. 8 and 9 are cross-section views of still other strip structuresembodying the present invention, the strip structure of FIG. 8 having asealing section of rubber which is carried by an anchoring portionarranged within the channel-shaped stripstructure, and the stripstructure of FIG. 9 having two longitudinally extending sealingsections, one adjacent the crown end of one of the side walls of thestrip structure and the other adjacent the free end of the opposite sidewall of the strip structure;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional View of an automobile body pillar and aportion of an adjacent door, the body pillar being provided on oppositesides thereof with strip structures embodying the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10 but with the body pillar beingprovided with other forms of strip structures embodying the presentinvention;

FIG. 12 is a vertical fragmentary cross-sectional view of the stripstructure of FIG. 6, the strip structure being shown in use thereof withthe longitudinally extending sealing section thereof being flexed as inuse thereof; and

FIGS. 13 to 20 are views showing various stages in the manufacture of astrip structure embodying the present invention, with FIG. 13 being aperspective view of a metal core strip, the rear portion of which istrans versely slotted;

FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 13 but showing a core strip which isprovided with transverse slits, rather than transverse slots;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the core strip of FIG. 14 after thestrip has been elongated, with the consequent widening of the transverseslits into transverse slots;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the transversely slotted core strip ofeither FIG. 13 or FIG. 15, with the strip being provided with twolongitudinally extending laterally spaced weakening grooves whichintersect the transverse slots adjacent theends thereof;

a I FIG. 17 is a perspective View of the core strip of FIG. 16, withcovering material enclosing all but the side edge portions of the corestrip, a portion of the strip structure being broken away and in sectionand the core covering being provided on one face of the strip structurewitha pair of longitudinally extending laterally spaced flexibleclamping ribs or lips;

FIG. 18 is a view of the other side of the covered core strip of FIG. 17and showing the embossing with which the outer surface of the corecovering on this side is provided;

FIG. 19 is a view correspondingto FIG. 17 but with the side edgeportions of the core strip outwardly of the longitudinal weakeninggroove having been removed; and

FIG. 20 is a view corresponding to FIG. 19 but showing in closedcondition the core covering side edge openings which are formed by theremoval of the side edge portions of the core strip.

Before specifically describing the stripstructures here illustrated forthe disclosure of certain embodiments of the present invention, it is tobe understood that strip structures embodying the invention can takevarious other forms. It also is to be understood that the terminology orphraseolog'y herein used is for purposes of description and not oflimitation, as the scope of the present invention is denoted by theappended claims.

Referring now to FIGS. '1- 3, 'itwill be noted that the strip structurethere illustrated for the disclosure of one embodiment of the presentinvention is of channel shape in cross-section, with a crown portion 1of arched form "and a pair of side walls and 3 which are here shown asbeing inwardly inclined or convergently related. Like other :stripstructures which embody the present invention, the strip structure ofFIGS. includes a resilient core and an enclosing covering '4 therefor,with the core consisting of a series of transversely disposed andlongitudinally arranged elements '5 which are relatively narrow and freeof any connection to one another. As a result of the relatively narrowform and the unconnected nature of the core elements 5, the stripstructure has outstanding flexibility, both longitudinally andlaterally, so that it can be readily and freely bent, twisted orotherwise manipulated, without buckling or other objectionabledistortion of the core covering. 4,to enable the strip struc ture toconform to the contour, regardless of bends or curvatures therein, ofthe edge flange or other part on which the strip structure is mounted inuse thereof. Although the core elements 5 may be of any desired length,they preferably are of such length that they terminate adjacent the freeedges of the strip structure sidewalls, as here shown.

Preferably, the core elements 5 are of relatively thin sheet steel, andas will hereinafter appear, "they may be formed from a single metalstrip and arranged within the core covering 4'by a particularlynovel'and economic'al method which constitutes a part ofthe presentinvention. In order to prevent buckling of the core covering 4 when thestrip structure is transversely bent or twisted, and in orderto give thestrip structure desirable strength without sacrifice of flexibility, thecore elements '5 are arranged in closely neighboring relation.Preferably and as here shown, the core elements are spaced'slightly'apart, with portions of the core covering 4 extending through'suchspaces, as at 6, FIGSIZ and 3, to bond together the core coveringon opposite faces of the core elements. If desired, however, the coreelements may be in substantially contiguous side-by-side relationship,in which event the core elements desirably are provided withperforations o'r 'thelik'e. to enable the core covering elasticity, andis easily extruded for association with the core elements 5. In order toenhance the attractiveness of the core covering, whichrnay be of anydesired color, its outer surface is preferably ornamented, as indicatedby the reference numeral 7. Aswill hereinafter appear, the ornamentationmaybe provided, in a simple and economical manner, by an embossing.operation, with the pattern being, for example, one whichsimulates wovenfabric, leather or the like. As will be evident from FIGS. 1 and 2, theouter surface of the corecovering may be and preferably is ornamented,and by having the ornamentation extend clear upto the free edges of theside Walls of the strip structure, the simulation of fabric, leather orthe like is materially enhanced,

For the purpose of enabling thestrip structure to be firmly retained onthe edge flange or other part onto which it is pressed in use thereof,the strip structure of FIGS. 1-3 is provided with a pair of flexibleribs or lips extending along the inner surfaces of the strip structureside walls in opposed relation for clamping engagement with said edgeflange 'or other part. As shown in FIG. 1, the clamping ribs or lips 8are integral with'the core covering 4 and here extend from the innersurfaces ofithe strip structure side walls, in spaced relation to thefree longitudinal edges thereof, inwardly and upwardly toward the crownportion 1 of the strip structure. As indicated in FIG. 1, the freelongitudinal edges of the clamping ribs or lips 8 are preferably innormally abutting or closely neighboring relationship so that the insertion therebet-ween of an edge flange or other part in the mounting ofthe strip structure thereon causes .the ribs or lips 8 to flexibly butfirmly engage said .fiangefor other part for the secure retention of thestrip structure thereof. Although the ribs or lips 8 may have anydesired angular disposition with respect-to the side walls of the stripstructure, the convergent inclination of the ribs or lips in the stripstructure of FIGS. 1 to 3 toward the crown portion 1 of the stripstructure facilitates the pressing of the strip structure onto an edgeflange or'other part, as will be readily understood.

b In FIG. 4 is illustrated a strip structure embodying a slightlymodified form of the present invention, and for purposes of indicatingan edge-flange. on which may be mounted in use thereof strip structuresembodying the present invention, the strip structure of FIG. 4. is shownas being clamp-ingly mounted on a two-part edge flange 9, such as anedge flange of an automobile body pillar.

As will be noted, the crown portion of the strip structure of FIG. 4 isof somewhat flatter "form-and the'side Walls of such strip structure aregenerally parallel, rather than convergently inclined as in thestrip-structure of FIGS. 1 to 3. Further, the core covering '10 below oroutwardly of the elongated clamping ribs or lips 11 and 12 is ofincreased thickness, as at 13, which stiffens the strip structuresomewhat adjacent the free longitudinal edges of its side walls butwithout sacrifice of the flexibility which'characterizes stripstructures embodying the present invention;

If desired-the clamping ribs or lips of any of the here illustrated.strip structures may be longitudinallyslit for increased flexibilitythereof, and for purposes of illustration,-the clamping ribs or lips 11and '12 of the strip-structure of FIG. 4 are longitudinally slit, as at14, in the loweror outer surfaces thereof. As in the stn'p'structure ofFIGS.,1 to 3, the strip structure of FIG. "4 has. of course, a corewhich consists of transverselydisposed individual elements 15 ofresilient character and entirely free of connection to one another.

In FIGS. 5,6 and 7 are illustrated strip structures which also embodythe present invention and which primarily differ from the stripstructure of FIGS. 1 'to 3 in that they are provided with resilientauxiliary sections, for sealing or gap-closing purposes, extending alongthe embossed outer surfaces of the core coverings at .one side of thecrown portions of-the strip structures.

In the strip structure of FIG. 5, the auxiliary section 16 is of tubularform and consists of inner and outer tubular portions. As here shown,the outer tubular portion 17 is of the same material as the corecovering 18, such as plasticized polyvinyl chloride, and is heat sealedor otherwise suitably bonded to the core covering. The inner tubularportion 19 is here shown as being of spon e rubber, and such innerportion not only increases the resiliency or recovery characteristics ofthe auxiliary section but it also prevents, as will be understood, anybuckling of the polyvinyl outer portion 17 if the strip structure isbent in use thereof. Like the embossed outer surface 20 of the corecovering 18, the outer surface 21 of the auxiliary section 16 ispreferably embossed or otherwise suitably ornamented, as shown.

In the strip structure of FIG. 6, the auxiliary sealing or gap-closingsection is an outwardly extending flexible rib or lip 22, which is hereshown as being of the same material as the core covering 23, such asplasticized polyvinyl chloride, and heat sealed or otherwise suitablybonded to said core covering. As will hereinafter appear (see FIG. 12),in use of the strip structure of FIG. 6, the auxiliary rib or lip 22 istransverselyl flexed for sealing or gap-closing purposes.

Although the strip structures heretofore described and those to behereinafter described are each provided on the inner surfaces of thestrip structure side walls with a single pair of opposed ribs or lipsfor clamping engagement with an edge flange or the like in thesecurement of the strip structure therein, two pairs of such clampingribs or lips may be provided, if desired, as in the strip structure ofFIG. 6. As there shown, one pair of said clamping ribs or lips, marked24 and 25, are in generally the location of the clamping ribs or lips ofpreviously described strip structures, and the second pair of suchclamping ribs or lips, marked 26 and 27, is arranged between the firstpair and the crown portion of the strip structure. The provision of twopairs of clamping ribs or lips is added assurance, of course, of theretention of the strip structure on the edge flange or the like on whichit is placed in use thereof, although a single pair of such ribs or lipsis generally quite adequate for the firm and secure retention of thestrip structure.

In the strip structure of FIG. 7, the auxiliary sealing or gap-closingsection is a single hollow tube 28, of elastic rubber or a rubber-likematerial, and which is stitched or otherwise suitably secured to thecore covering 29 which may be, as heretofore, of polyvinyl chloride. Forsecurement purposes, the tube 28 is here integrally provided with arelatively narrow flange 30 co-extensive in length therewith and whichis stitched or otherwise suitably secured in overlapping relation to acorresponding flange 31 with which the core covering 29 is. provided.Like the embossed outer surface of the core covering 29, the outersurface of the sealing or gap-closing rubber tube 28 is preferablyembossed, and for purposes of contrast, if desired, the embossing on thetube 28 may be one which simulates leather and the embossing on the corecovering may be one which simulates woven fabric. As the rubber tube 28,like the core covering 29, may be of any desired color, a particularlyattractive elfect thereby can be achieved.

As heretofore mentioned, in the strip structures of FIGS. 5, 6 and 7,the auxiliary sealing or gap-closing sections thereof are located alongone side of the crown portions of the strip structures. In FIG. 8,however, a strip structure embodying the present invention isillustrated which is provided with a sealing or gap-closing sectionlocated adjacent the free longitudinal edge portion of one of the sidewalls of the strip structure.

In the strip structure of FIG. 8, the auxiliary section is a hollowelastic tube 32, of rubber or a rubber-like material, and which extendsto one side of the strip structure adjacent the free longitudinal edgeportion of its side wall 33. For the support of said sealing orgapclosing tube 32, it is here shown as being provided with an anchoringportion 34, integral and oo-extensive in length therewith, and lyingwithin the strip structure along the inner surfaces of its side Wall 33and its. crown portion 35. If desired, said anchoring portion 34 may beand here is suitably interlocked, as at 36, with the adjacent portion ofthe core covering, although the interlocking of such portions is not, ofcourse, essential. Like the previously described strip structures, thestrip structure of FIG. 8 has a pair of opposed ribs or lips 37 and 38for clamping engagement with an edge flange or the like in the use ofthe strip structure, but as will be noted, only the rib or lip 37 is apart of the core covering. The other rib or lip 38 is a part of theanchoring portion 34 of the auxiliary rubber section, but the two ribsor lips 37 and 38 cooperate like those of the other strip structures tosecurely maintain the strip structure of FIG. 8 on the edge flange orother support on which it is placed in use thereof.

In the strip structure illustrated in, FIG. 9, there are two auxiliarysealing or gap-closing sections, located on opposite sides of the stripstructure, with one of such sections, numbered 39, extending along thecore covering 40 at one side of the crown portion 41 of the stripstructure and the other section, numbered 42, extending along the corecovering 40 adjacent the free longitudinal edge portion of the side wall43 of the strip structure. As here shown, both of the auxiliary sections39 and 42 are of tubular form and of the same material as the corecovering 40, such as polyvinyl chloride, and are heat sealed orotherwise suitably bonded to the core covering. Either or both sections,if desired, may include a suitable inside material, such as the spongerubber tube 44 in section 42. As in the other strip structures, thestrip structure of FIG. 9 is provided with a pair of op, posed flexibleribs or lips 45 and 46 for clamping engage. ment with an edge flange orthe like.

Although the cores of the strip structures of FIGS. 5 to 9 have not beenspecifically described, it is to be understood that each consists, likethe core of the strip structure of FIGS. 1 to 3, of a longitudinalseries of transversely disposed resilient elements in closelyneighboring relation and entirely free of connection to one another.

As heretofore mentioned, strip structures embodying the presentinvention are particularly suitable for use on edge flanges or the likeas moldings or trim or finishing strips, or, if provided with sealingsections, as strip struc. tures for both trimming and sealing purposes,

For purposes of illustration, there are illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11automobile center body pillars 48 and 49 and portions of automobiledoors 50 and 51 respectively cooperating therewith. As will be noted, onthe edge flanges 52 and 53 at the sides of the center body pillar 48 ofFIG. 10 are mounted strip structures of the general characterillustrated in FIGS. 5, 7 and 8, or in other words, strip structureswith auxiliary sealing or gap-closing sections located along one side ofthe crown portions of the strip structures. Although the primary sealfor the door 50 is provided by the conventional sealing member 54carried thereby, the auxiliary section 55 of the strip structure mountedon the edge flange 53 effectively'closes the gap which otherwise wouldresult between the door and the body pillar adjacent the trim panel 56on the inner face of the door. A similar function would be served, ofcourse, by the auxiliary section 55 which is mounted on the edge flange52 of the body pillar 48.

In FIG. 11, strip structures of the general character illustrated inFIG. 9 are mounted on the edge flanges 57 and 58 at the sides of thecenter body pillar 49, or in other Words, strip structures which areprovided with two auxiliary sealing or gap-closing sections 60 and 61.Thus, in FIG. 11, no door-carried seals are necessary for either thesealing of the door or the closing of the gap adjacent the door trimpanel 62.

In FIG. 12 is fragmentarily shown the strip structure 7, of FIG. 6 asmounted on an edge flange 63, the clamping ribs orlips 2.5, 27 being intheir flexed condition for clamping retention on said flange, and theauxiliary sealing or gap-closing rib or lip 22 being in transverselyflexed condition by its engagement with the part 64 for sealing orgap-closing purposes.

As will be readily understood, the manufacture on a commercial scale ofa strip structure in which a longitudinal series of transverselydisposed and wholly unconnected resilient elements are completelyenclosed within a covering material presents many diflicult problems.One method which most satisfactorily solves said problems is illustratedin FIGS. 13 to 20, and such method is embraced by and forms a part ofthe present invention.

Essentially, the method consists of providing a sheet metal strip, ofthe desired width and thickness and of the desired resiliency, with alongitudinal series of transverse slots, if the core elements of thestrip structure are to be spaced apart, or with a longitudinal series oftransverse slits, if the core elements of the strip structure are to bein substantially sid'e-by-side or contiguous relationship. As to thetransverse slotting or the transverse slitting of the core strip, it canbe readily accomplished, of course, by

conventional means, but which preferably will be of the metal core strip66 of the desired width and thickness and of the desired resiliency,with the slots 67 being relat-ively closely spaced and having their endsterminating near to but short of the side edges of the strip, with theconsequent provision of non-slotted side edge portions 68. and 69. Aswill be readily understood, the transversely slotted strip 66 of FIG. 15may be provided either (a) by removing from the strip, such as the onedenoted by the reference numeral 70. in FIG. 13, transverse sections ofmetal for the formation of the slots 67, or (b) by transversely slittinga strip such as the one denoted by the reference numeral 71 in FIG. 14and then elongating the slitted strip by manipulation of the non-slittedside edge portions of the strip to convert the transverse slits 72 intotransverse slots.

After its provision, the transversely slotted strip, such as the strip66 of FIG. 15, is then grooved or otherwise weakened, such as by acoining operation or the like, along two longitudinally extending,laterally spaced lines 73 and 74 which intersect the transverse slots 67adjacent the ends thereof, as in FIG. 16, with the non-slotted side edgeportions 68 and 69 of the core strip thus being located outwardly ofsaid weakening grooves.

Thereafter, the transversely slotted and longitudinallygrooved corestrip 66 is suitably covered or enclosed except for the outer parts ofits non-slotted side edge portions 68 and69, as in FIG. 17, with thecovering layers 75 and 76 on opposite faces of the core strip being ofany desired thickness, and with one of said layers, namely, the one herenumbered 75, having integrally formed therewith the pair of opposedclamping ribs or lips 77 and 78 for the retention of the strip structurein use thereof. Preferably, the core strip covering, including theclamping ribs or lips thereof, is provided by an extrusion operation,and as the covering material passes through the core strip slots 67, thetwo layers 75 and 76 of the covering are firmly bonded together, as willbe quite evident from the broken out portion of FIG. 17. As heretoforementioned, one particularly suitable core covering. material isplasticized polyvinyl chloride, a material which is easily extruded andwhich possesses many other desirable characteristics.

The, covering material is extruded over the core; strip in a heatedcondition, and while such material is still warm, the outer surface ofthe covering layer 76 is suitably ornamented, such as by an embossingoperation. As will be evident from FIG. 18, the entire outer surface 79of the covering layer 76 is preferably embossed, the embossing patternbeing of any desired character, and as the non-slotted core stripportions 68 and 69 project outwardly beyond the side edges of thecovering layer, as shown in FIGS; 17 .and 18, the embossing can extendright up to the'side edges of said covering layer. This is, of course,of considerable importance in the; ornamentation of the strip structure,as the appearance of the strip structure would be appreciably lessenedif the embossing or other ornamentation of the outer; surface of thecovering layer 7 76--which is the. outer covering. layer of the stripstructure when it is bent into its'channel. shape-terminated short ofthe outer side edges ofv said covering layer.

As shown in FIG. 17, the core covering layers and 76 extend outwardlybeyond the longitudinal weakening grooves 73 and 74 of the core stripbut not to the outer edges of the non-slotted core strip side edgeprtions 68 and 69. Therefore, parts of said non-slotted side edgeportions 68 and 69 are exposed for suitable manipulation, such asflexure in opposite direction, to cause said side edge portions 68 and69 tovbe broken off of the core strip along the weakening grooves 73 and74. Upon the removal of such broken off side edge portions 68 and 69,there is left between the'two covering layers 75 and 76 a longitudinalseries .of transversely disposed, closely spaced and wholly unconnectedcore elements'elements which are indicated by the reference numeral 80in FIGS, 17, 19 and 20V and which correspond, of course, to the coreelements: 5 of the strip structure of FIGS. 1 to 3.

As shown in FIG. 19, the removal of the core strip side edge portions68: and 69 results, of course, in the provision of gaps orv longitudinalopenings 81 between thetwo core covering layers 75 and 76 at the outeredges thereof. The .next.step in the present method, therefore, is the.closing of. said gaps or openings 81, as in FIG. 20, by suitably bondingtogether, such as by a heat sealing operation, the outer side edgeportions of the two core covering layers; This completely encloses theindividual core elements in their wholly unconnected condition, aswillbe'evident from FIG. 20.

The strip of FIG. 20. is then bent, by any suitable means, into channelshape in cross section, and if the strip is to; have an auxiliarysealing or gap-closing section-,.it can be secured to the, core coveringeither before or after the strip is bent into channel shape, all as willbe readily understood.

As heretofore mentioned, if it is desired to have a strip structure inwhich the unconnected core elements are substantially contiguous, ratherthan in slightly spaced relation as inthe strip structurezof FIGS. 1 to3, acore strip is used which is provided with transverse slits, as inthecore strip of FIG. 14, rather than a core strip with transverseslots, as in the core strip of FIG. 15. As will be readilyunderstood,the transversely slitted core strip is treated or processed inthesameman ner as the previously described transversely. slotted core andas indicated in FIGS. 16 to'20." In order to bond together the two corecovering layers if a transversely. slitted core is used, the coreportions between theslits, which will form, of course, the coreelements, may besuitably apertured or the like for the passagetherethrough of the core covering material.

From the. foregoing, it will be evident that strip structures embodyingthe present invention are characterized by their outstanding flexibilitywhich results from the use of transversely disposed elements which arewholly un connected,.of relatively narrow form and longitudinallyarranged in either. closely spaced or substantially side-bysiderelationship, and which strip structures preferably are furthercharacterized by the attractive embossing with which their: entire outersurfaces are provided. It, fur- 9, ther will be evident that the presentinvention embraces a method for the commercial manufacture of such stripstructures which is extremely practical and quite economical.

To those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates,further features and advantages thereof will be evident.

This is a division of United States patent application Serial No.151,915.

What is claimed is:

l. The method of making a generally channel-shaped strip structure forembracing engagement with and clamping retention on an edge flange orother support therefor and wherein said strip structure is providedthroughout its length with a series of transversely disposed resilientmetal members of relatively narrow form and in closely spaced andentirely unconnected relationship, said method comprising the step ofproviding a flat resilient sheet metal strip with a series of transverseslots closely spaced therealong and terminating short of the side edgesof the strip, the step of weakening the metal strip along twolongitudinal lines that intersect said transverse slots adjacent theends thereof, the step of providing both faces of said metal strip witha covering material, the covering material terminating inwardly of theside edges of the strip but outwardly beyond the longitudinal weakeninglines, the step of removing those side edge portions of the strip whichlie outwardly beyond the longitudinal weakening lines, the step ofclosing the side edge openings in the covering material formed by theremoval of the side edge portions of the strip, and the step of bendingthe covered strip into generally channel shape.

2. The method of making a generally channel-shaped externally embossedstrip structure for embracing engagement with and clamping retention onan edge flange or other support therefor and wherein said stripstructure is provided throughout its length with a series oftransversely disposed resilient metal members of relatively narrow formand in closely spaced and entirely unconnected relationship, said methodcomprising the step of providing a generally flat resilient sheet metalstrip with a series of transverse slots closely spaced therealong, thestep of weakening the metal strip along two longitudinal lines thatintersect said transverse slots adjacent the ends thereof, the step ofproviding both faces of said metal strip with a heated coveringmaterial, the covering material terminating inwardly of the side edgesof the strip but outwardly beyond the longitudinal weakening lines, thestep of embossing the entire outer surface of the covering material onone face of the strip while said core covering is in a heated condition,the step of removing those side edge portions of the strip which lieoutwardly beyond the longitudinal weakening lines, the step of closingthe side edge grooves in the covering material formed by the removal ofthe side edge portions of the strip, and the step of bending theresulting structure into generally channel shape with the embossedsurface of the covering material on the outside of the strip structure.

3. The method of making a generally channel-shaped strip structure forembracing engagement with and clamping retention on an edge flange orother support therefor and wherein said strip structure is providedthroughout its length with a series of transversely disposed resilientmetal members of relatively narrow form and in closely spaced andentirely unconnected relationship, said method comprising the step ofproviding a generally flat resilient sheet metal strip with a series oftransverse slots closely spaced therealong and terminating short of theside edges of the strip, the step of grooving the metal strip along twolongitudinal lines that intersect said transverse slots adjacent theends thereof, the step of providing both sides of said metal strip witha covering material, the covering material terminating inwardly of theside edges of the strip but outwardly beyond the longitudinal grooves,the step of removing those side edge portions of the strip which lieoutwardly beyond the 1on gitudinal grooves, the step of closing the sideedge openings in the covering material formed by the removal of the sideedge portions of the strip, and the step of bending the covered stripinto generally channel shape.

4. The method of making a generally channel shaped strip structure forembmacing engagement with and clamping retention on an edge flange orother support therefor and wherein said strip structure is providedthroughout its length with a series of transversely disposed resilientmetal members of relatively narrow form and in closely spaced andentirely unconnected relationship, said method comprising the step ofproviding a generally flat resilient sheet metal strip with a series oftransverse slots closely spaced therealong and terminating short of theside edges of the strip, the step of weakening the metal strip along twolongitudinal lines that intersect said transverse slots adjacent theends thereof, the step of extruding a covering material onto both sidesof said metal strip, the covering material terminating inwardly of theside edges of the strip but outwardly beyond the longitudinal weakeninglines, the step of removing those side edge pontions of the strip whichlie outwardly beyond the longitudinal weakening lines, the step ofclosing the side openings in the covering material formed by the removalof the side edge portions of the strip, and the step of bending thecovered strip into generally channel shape.

5. The method of making a generally channel-shaped strip structure forembracing engagement with and clamping retention on an edge flange orother support therefor and wherein said strip structure is providedthroughout its length with a series of transversely disposed resilientmetal members of relatively narrow form and in closely spaced andentirely unconnected relationship, said method comprising the step ofproviding a generally flat resilient sheet metal strip with a series oftransverse slits closely spaced therealong and terminating short of theside edges of the strip, the step of elongating the slitted strip bypressure applied to the non-slitted side edge portions thereof, with theconsequent changing of the slits into slots, the step of weakening themetal strip along two longitudinal lines that intersect the transverseslots adjacent the ends thereof, the step of providing both faces ofsaid metal strip with a covering material, the covering materialterminating inwardly of the side edges of the strip but outwardly beyondthe longitudinal weaken-ing lines, the step of removing those side edgepontions of the strip which lie outwardly beyond the longitudinalweakening lines, the step of closing the side edge openings in thecovering material formed by the removal of the side edge portions of thestrip, and the step of bending the covered strip into generally channelshape.

6. The method of making a generally channel-shaped strip structure forembracing engagement with and clamping retention on an edge flange orother support therefor and wherein said strip structure is providedthroughout its length with a series of transversely disposed resilientmetal members of relatively narrow form and in entirely unconnectedrelationship, said method comp-rising the step of providing a generallyflat resilient sheet metal strip with a series of transverse slitsclosely spaced therealong, the step of weakening the metal strip alongtwo longitudinal lines that intersect said transvense slits adjacent theends thereof, the step of providing both sides of said transversely.slitted metal strip with a covering mate-rial, the cover ing materialterminating inwardly of the side edges of the strip but outwardly beyondthe longitudinal weakening lines, the step of removing those side edgeportions of the strip which lie outwardly beyond the longitudinalweakening lines, the step of closing the side edge openings in thecovering material formed by the removal of the side edge port-ions ofthe strip, and the step of bending the covered strip into generallychannel shape.

7. The method of making a generally channel-shaped strip structure forembracing engagement with and clamping retention on an edge flange orother support therefor and wherein said strip structure is providedthroughout its length with a series of transversely disposed resilientmetal members of relatively narrow form and in entirely unconnectedrelationship, said method comprising the step of pnoviding a gene-rallyfiat resilient sheet metal strip with a series of transverse slot-sclosely spaced therealong and terminating short of the side edges of thestnip, the step of weakening the metal strip along two longitudinallines that intersect said transverse slots adjacent the ends thereof,the step of providing both faces of said metal strip with a cover-ingmaterial, the covering ma erial terminating inwardly of the side edgesof the strip but outwardly beyond the longitudinal weakening lines andbeing pro vided on one face of the strip with a pair of flexible ribsxtending thereailong in laterally spaced relation, the step of removingthose side edge portions of the strip which lie outwardly beyond thelongitudinal weakening lines, the step of closing the side edge openingsin the covering material formed by the removalof the side edge portionsof the strip, and the step of bending the covered strip into generallychannel shape, the two covering ribs being thereby brought into opposedrelation for clamping engagement with the edge flange or other supporton which the strip structure is to be mounted in use thereof.

8. The method of making a generally channel-shaped strip structure forembracing engagement with and clamping retention on an edge flange orother support therefor and wherein said strip structure is providedthroughout its length with a series of transversely disposed resilientmetal members of relatively narrow formxand in closely spaced andentirely unconnected relationship, said method comprising the step ofproviding a generally flat resilient sheet metal strip with a series oftransverse slots closely spaced therealong, the step of grooving themetal strip along two longitudinal lines that intersect said transverseslots adj acent the ends thereof, the step of extruding a coveringmaterial onto both sides of said metal strip, the covering materialterminating inwardly of the side edges of the strip but outwardly beyondthe longitudinal grooves and being provided on one face of the stripwith a pair of flexible ribs extending therealong in laterally spacedrelation, the step of removing those side edge portions of the stripwhich lie outwardly beyond the longitudinal grooves, the step of closingthe side edge openings in the covering material formed by the removal ofthe side edge portions of thestrip, and the step of bending the coveredstrip into generally channel shape, the two covering ribs being therebybrought into opposed relation fior clamping engagement with the edgeflange or other support on which the strip structure is to be mounted inuse thereof.

9. The method of making a strip structure which comprises a core and anenclosing covering and wherein the core consists of a longitudinalseries of transversely dis posed elements free of connection to oneanother, the method comprising the step of providing a core strip havingtransversely extending portions connected along one side edge portion ofthe strip, the step of covering the core strip with a covering material,and the step of severing the side edge portion of the core strip tothereby leave in the covering material transverse core elements inunconnected relation.

10. The method of making a generally channel-shaped strip structure forembracing engagement with and clamping retention on an edge flange orother support therefor and wherein said strip structure is providedthroughout its length with a series of transversely disposed resilientmetal elements of relatively narrow form and in closely spaced andentirely unconnected relationship, said method comprising the step ofproviding a flat resilient sheet metal strip with a series of transverseslots closely spaced there along and terminating short of the side edgesof the strip, with the consequent provision of a series of transverselydisposed resilient sheet metal elements of relatively narrow form spacedalong said metal strip, the step of weakening the metal strip along twolongitudinal lines that intersect said transversely disposed elements,adjacent the ends thereof, the step of providing said metal strip with acovering material, the step of separating from said transverselydisposed elements both side edge portions of the strip which lieoutwardly beyond said weakening lines, with the consequent completedisconnection of said transversely disposed elementsfrom one another,and the step of bending the covered strip with its disconnectedtransversely disposed elements into generally channel shape.

11. The method of making'a generally channel-shaped strip structure forembracing engagement with and clamping retention on an edge flange orother support therefor and wherein said strip structure is providedthroughout its length with a series of transversely disposed resilientmetal elements of relatively narrow form and in closely spaced andentirely unconnected relationship, said method comprising the stepof-providing a flat resiilent sheet metal strip with a series oftransverse slots closely spaced therealong and terminating short of theside edges of the strip, with the consequent provision of a series oftransversely disposed resilient sheet metal elements of relativelynarrow form spaced along said metal strip,rthe step of grooving themetal strip along two longitudinal lines that intersect saidtransversely disposed elements adjacent the ends thereof, the step ofproviding said metal strip with a covering material, the step ofseparating from said transversely disposed elements both side edgeportions of the strip which lie outwardly beyond said grooved lines,with r the consequent complete disconnection of said transverselydisposed elements from one another, and the step of bending the coveredstrip with its disconnected transversely disposed elements intogenerally channel shape.

12. The method of making a generally channel-shaped strip structure forembracing engagement with and clamping retention on an edge flange orother support therefor and wherein said strip structure is providedthroughout its length with a series of transversely disposed resilientmetal elements of relatively narrow form and in closely spaced andentirely unconnected relationship, said method comprising the step ofproviding a generally flat resilient sheet metal strip with a series oftransverse slits closely spaced therealong and terminating short of theside edges of the strip, with the consequent provision of a series oftransversely disposed resilient metal elements of relatively narrowform, the step of elongating the slitted strip those side edge portionsof the strip which lie outwardly beyond the longitudinal weakeninglines, with the consequent complete disconnection of said transverselydisposed elements from one another.

13. The method of making a generally channel-shaped strip structure forembracing engagement with and clamp- 1ng retention on an edge flange orother support therefor and wherein said strip structure is providedthroughout its length with a series of transversely disposed resilientmetal elements of relatively narrow form-and in closely spaced andentirely unconnected relationship, said method comprising the step ofproviding a flat resilient sheet metal strip with a series of transverseslots closely spaced therealong and terminating short of the side edgesof the strip, with the consequent provision of a series of transversely'(lldPOSECl elements of relative narrow form spaced along said metalstrip, the step of weakening the metal strip along two longitudinallines that intersect said transversely disposed elements adjacent theends'thereof, the step of providing said metal strip with a coveringmaterial having a pair of flexible ribs extending therealong inlaterally spaced relation, the step of separating from said transverseg1y disposed elements those side edge portions of the metal strip whichlie outwardly beyond said weakening lines, with the consequent completedisconnection of said transversely disposed elements from one another,and the step of bending the covered strip with its disconnectedtransversely disposed elements into generally channel shape, the twocovering ribs being thereby brought into opposed relation for clampingengagement with the edge flange or the support on which the stripstructure is to be mounted in use thereof.

14. The method of making a generally channel-shaped strip structure forembracing engagement with and clamping retention on an edge flange :orother support therefor and wherein said strip structure is providedthroughout its length with a series of transversely disposed resilientmetal elements of relatively narrow form and in closely spaced andentirely unconnected relationship, said method comprising the step ofproviding a flat resilient sheet metal strip with a series of transverseslots closely spaced therealong and terminating short of the side edgesof the strip, with the consequent provision of a series of transverselydisposed elements of relative narrow form spaced along said metal strip,the step of weakening the metal strip along two longitudinal lines thatintersect said transversely disposed elements adjacent the ends thereof,the step or" providing said metal strip with a covering material havinga pair of flexible ribs extending along the covering on one face of themetal strip in laterally spaced relation, the covering on the other faceof the strip being embossed for purposes of decoration, the step ofseparating from said transversely disposed elements those side edgeportions of the metal strip which lie outwardly beyond said weakeninglines, with the consequent complete disconnection of said transverselydisposed elements from one another, and the step of bending the coveredstrip with its disconnected transversely disposed elements intogenerally channel shape, the two covering ribs being thereby broughtinto opposed relation for clamping engagement with the edge flange orthe support on which the strip structure is to be mounted in usethereof.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS2,746,103 Bright May 22, 1956 2,841,863 Geisler July 8, 1958 3,054,172Turney Sept. 18, 1962

1. THE METHOD OF MAKING A GENERALLY CHANNEL-SHAPED STRIP STRUCTURE FOREMBRACING ENGAGEMENT WITH AND CLAMPING RETENTION ON AN EDGE FLANGE OROTHER SUPPORT THEREFOR AND WHEREIN SAID STRIP STRUCTURE IS PROVIDEDTHROUGHOUT ITS LENGTH WITH A SERIES OF TRANSVERSELY DISPOSED RESILIENTMETAL MEMBERS OF RELATIVELY NARROW FORM AND IN CLOSELY SPACED ANDENTIRELY UNCONNECTED RELATIONSHIP, SAID METHOD COMPRISING THE STEP OFPROVIDING A FLAT RESILIENT SHEET METAL STRIP WITH A SERIES OF TRANSVERSESLOTS CLOSELY SPACED THEREALONG AND TERMINATING SHORT OF THE SIDE EDGESOF THE STRIP, THE STEP OF WEAKENING THE METAL STRIP ALONG TWOLONGITUDINAL LINES THAT INTERSECT SAID TRANSVERSE SLOTS ADJACENT THEENDS THEREOF, THE STEP OF PROVIDING BOTH FACES OF SAID METAL STRIP WITHA COVERING MATERIAL, THE COVERING MATERIAL TERMINATING INWARDLY OF THESIDE EDGES OF THE STRIP BUT OUTWARDLY BEYOND THE LONGITUDINAL WEAKENINGLINES, THE STEP OF REMOVING THOSE SIDE EDGE PORTIONS OF THE STRIP WHICHLIE OUTWARDLY BEYOND THE LONGITUDINAL WEAKENING LINES, THE STEP OFCLOSING THE SIDE EDGE OPENINGS IN THE COVERING MATERIAL FORMED BY THEREMOVAL OF THE SIDE EDGE PORTIONS OF THE STRIP, AND THE STEP OF BENDINGTHE COVERED STRIP INTO GENERALLY CHANNEL SHAPE.